I am looking to replace my plastic wheelsets with Intermountain 33’ sets. Looking at the MB Klein web page they thve two listings. Both have the same price. The first is #40050 which is out of stock. The second is #40052, which they have. My question is what is the difference between the two? And while I’m at it is this one of the best places to make my purchase?
The 40052 are semi scale. Whatever that means.
The 40050 wheels have a more standard 0.11" tread. The 40052s have 0.088" treads, which are closer to scale. I mostly use the semi-scale wheels, and they’ve never caused any problems.
Good choice. I believe Intermonntain wheelsets are the only ones that are turned or machined, The others are cast & therefore some can be out of round. They also seem to be heavier than the white metal castings. Jerry
Have you looked at Proto 2000 wheels? I have installed them 200 plus cars and only had one bad one.
Cuda Ken
Sorry, but that’s not true. Both NWSL and Reboxx wheels are machined. I prefer Reboxx, for their wide range of axle lengths, which allows you to match the specific manufacturer’s sideframes to the proper length of axle. Makes for better operation.
The weight difference (which is negligible) can accounted for by the difference between metal and plastic axles.
And like Darth, I’ve had no problems with the .088" wheels.
I have both the .110" and the .088" wheel width and haven’t had any trouble yet. I have both Intermountain and Reboxx and both companies make outstanding products.